The one-act opera with music and English libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti was first performed on live television in the Rockefeller Center on Christmas Eve in 1951. It is the story of a young shepherd boy named Amahl who walks with the aid of a crutch. The three magi stop by his home one night, explaining that they are on their way to find a king.

During the night, Amahl’s mother tries to steal some of the gold being taken to the holy child. Understanding her desire to help her crippled son, the magi tell her to keep the gold, but she asks the night visitors to take the gold back for the new King. Amahl offers the only thing he owns, his crutch, as his gift, and his leg is miraculously healed. Amahl leaves with the visitors to thank the child King for curing him.

The Madcap Puppets bring fun to every performance and make theater accessible for everyone, regardless of age. Amahl and his mother are portrayed by human actors, but the three kings and other characters are larger-than-life puppets in the Madcap style.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students and senior citizens, and children under the age of 18 are $10. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and also 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra’s website.